Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Preparing for the Worst

Taiwan is carrying out annual major military drills. This year there seems no doubt that the Taiwanese know that what was once unthinkable is something they need to face:

Taiwan has begun its five-day annual military drill to prepare to defend itself from a possible attack from neighboring China.

The military muscle-flexing that began on Monday include live-fire drills, including the anti-airborne assault drill, and the anti-amphibious landing drill.

I think preparing for an amphibious and airborne invasion is a wise precaution, despite the so-called "thaw" in cross-strait relations. I think China's charm offensive is all about getting Taiwan to lower their guard (in mindset and procurement) for the day that China either invades or uses their growing superiority to deliver an ultimatum to join or die.